TAFE is part of the tertiary education sector which also includes universities and other higher education institutions such as the Australian Maritime College. TAFE provides courses covering primary industry, building and architecture, business services, personal and community services, hospitality and tourism, equity and access, manufacturing and engineering.

The entry of the North-West Regional College of TAFE into agricultural and horticultural (TAFE School of Rural Industries) training was driven by the interest of the Tasmanian farming organisations in establishing a training scheme. The school now boasts an 89 ha vegetable growing and livestock farm about 1 km south of the College, catering for practical (hands on experience) with livestock, farm machinery, general farming procedures, such as fencing, tractor operations, etc. Through the co-operation of the University of Tasmania, and the Rural Industry Training Board, students can now start an apprenticeship or traineeship in agriculture or horticulture with guaranteed access to the university.

Opened in 1995, the Cradle Coast Campus of the University of Tasmania is an attractive, modern building set in a peaceful rural environment, with teaching and learning facilities and academic staff of the highest standard. The Campus is a showcase for state-of-the-art communication technologies that link students and staff to all campuses of the University, and to the wider global network.

The Cradle Coast Campus is also home to one node of the Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research, which employs professional researchers in the Dairy and Horticulture sectors.

The Campus also provides a professional and community education program that provides access to experts across a vast range of topics for the cultural stimulation and enjoyment of the people of the region.

The North-West Institute of Adult Education offers a wide range of learning opportunities for adults. From non-accredited short courses for the development of specific knowledge and skills through more formal, accredited vocational education and training programmes. The staff is committed to facilitating life long learning opportunities for any individual or group within the community.